Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD): Causes, Pathophysiology, Imaging, and Clinical Insights
Keywords: Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, Prion Disorders, Rapidly Progressive Dementia, MRI Cortical Ribboning, Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy Introduction Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a rare, fatal, and rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disorder classified under transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) . The disease is caused by misfolded prion proteins that accumulate in the brain, leading to neuronal death and spongiform degeneration. Although rare, with an incidence of 1–2 cases per million annually, its devastating progression and lack of treatment make it a critical subject for clinicians, researchers, and public health experts. This article provides a comprehensive overview of CJD, covering its cause, etiology, pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, imaging features, treatment, and prognosis , while incorporating figures and case data from the provided case study. Case Presentation A 56-year-old woman presented with several months o...